User Comments
Fantastic! I swung leads on Dream in about 1981 (I’m away so can’t check the exact date) with a bloke and lass from my climbing club. Not sure they were an ‘item’ then, at least not officially. It was one of my first sea cliff routes and whilst I found the climbing easy, I didn’t have the experience and nous to make things properly safe. I led the pitch in your photo and at the end of that pitch I found some pegs, clipped in and brought up the bloke. When he arrived at my ‘stance’, without any comment or fuss, he placed 2 or 3 bomber nuts to back up my inadequate belay and tied me in. I had never encountered unreliable pegs on sea cliffs, but I learned a very valuable lesson that day which has always stayed with me. And my mentor that memorable day? Your Dad, aged c. 32. Your Mum made up the rope of 3. Like you say, it doesn’t get much better.... Neil
Neil Foster - 14/Oct/19
A great tale. I nearly got to do it with my lad a couple of months ago, things conspired against us, but we must get back!
SteveSBlake - 14/Oct/19
Neil thanks for sharing this story! Absolutely brilliant and will share with my mum and dad! Coincidentally, my mum has been looking through some of the old negatives as she reckons she's got some photos of the day you mention... I'll hopefully be able to share these with you! Cheers Luke
Birks - 16/Oct/19
That looks like Mo Birkill! Is this a tale of Mo and Sarah? Brilliant if it is. Has he still got the New England Saab?
Derek Furze - 16/Oct/19
Should have looked at the caption!
Derek Furze - 16/Oct/19
The New England Saab pre-dates me Derek! By the time I was on the scene we were a Volvo family! I'd love to hear any stories you have of them!
Birks - 17/Oct/19
Ask your Mum about the 'day of the bees' at Woodwell, which was only entertaining in hindsight. I moved to the Peak in 1984, but I am fairly sure I remember them visiting with you. Also funny at the time was Sarah telling me off when I was overtaking (on the bendy bit of dual carriageway near Keswick so safe). Sarah was chatting in the back and suddenly (and quite sharply) said 'Be careful Derek' in the most schoolmistressy voice ever. We nearly crashed through laughing....
Derek Furze - 17/Oct/19
I should have said... I hope they are both well! Also, I am climbing tomorrow with Robin Thomson, who used to climb with the Lancaster club and is your Dad's age. I will make the connection tomorrow!
Derek Furze - 17/Oct/19